ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the reaction of phosgene with various nitrone spin traps. Isolated rabbit lung preparations using two oxygen radical-generating enzyme systems resulted in lung injury characterized by increased capillary permeability and edema. The ability of perfluoroisobutylene (PFIB) to enter into reactions with diverse nucleophiles distinguishes it from other highly hydrophobic gases. Further research is required to demonstrate the scavenging role of lung nucleophiles in reducing the toxicity of PFIB. Spin trapping allows one to determine if short-lived free radicals are involved as reaction intermediates by scavenging the reactive radical to produce more stable nitroxide radicals. In summary, the experiments described show the possible heterolytic and homolytic dissociation of phosgene into highly reactive species. The reactions between phosgene and spin trapping agents must be understood prior to applying Electron paramagnetic resonance/spin trapping techniques to investigate possible free radical mechanisms in the interaction of phosgene with biological systems.
